Dear Holmdel Township School Community,
I hope this message finds you well and that you and your family made it through the recent snowstorm safely, perhaps even creating some new memories along the way. There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned snow day to disconnect and reconnect with those we hold most dear.
I would like to once again extend my sincere appreciation to the Holmdel Township Department of Public Works, the Office of Emergency Management, our district buildings and grounds staff, and to you, our families, for your understanding regarding the school closure and delayed openings. I also want to thank our faculty and staff for getting back into the swing of things today, ensuring the week got off to a delayed but successful start. __________________________________________________________________________________ As you may have noticed, I have been including weekly budget briefs in my community newsletter. Starting this week, I will be sharing a separate, standalone budgetary communication so that our community members have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information, including public presentations and Board-level discussions related to the budget.
Past and present Boards of Education have been forthright, proactive, and transparent in communicating the very real financial challenges facing our school district, as well as districts across the state. As districts finalize their budgets for the upcoming school year, these stories will become increasingly common. One significant difference for Holmdel is that, unlike many communities that are surprised by sudden deficits, our district has been transparent and prepared.
The Board of Education and administration fully understand the gravity and potential impact of these decisions. It is critically important that our community draws conclusions from accurate information and reviews the details carefully.
As previously shared, the Board has postponed a prospective vote on the potential outsourcing of custodial services until the February Board of Education meeting. This delay allows additional time for the ongoing collective bargaining process with the Holmdel Township Education Association and ensures we are leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of additional revenue sources.
If you have specific questions about the development of the 2026–27 school budget or any forthcoming decisions, our doors remain open. As has been the case since my arrival nearly four years ago, we are happy to provide information and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement with our schools. |
Registration for the Monmouth County Schools Partnership for Wellness Symposium is now open! This meaningful evening will take place at Brookdale Community College on March 11th, beginning at 5:30 PM, featuring a keynote by Rebecca Bryan on “Positive Childhood Experiences are the Foundation of Lifelong Resilience” and breakout sessions curated for the needs of students, parents, and educators.
The evening will conclude with a panel discussion by mental health experts and students from around Monmouth County, discussing the importance of mental health and wellness. Additionally, multiple local, County and State agencies will be in attendance, providing meaningful resources on an array of topics. Please join us as we continue to work together to support the mental wellness of our communities! #BeYouBeWell
**The first 300 attendees will receive a FREE copy of Unselfie!** |
On Saturday, our three robotics teams, Hornet Silver, Hornet Blue, and Hornet Hive were all in action at Howell High School. This past weekend marked the last qualifier competition before the League Tournament, which dictates who will compete at the State Championships in March. This was an important test for the teams and they came through with flying colors.
When all was said and done, of the 28 competing teams attending, Hornet Silver and Hornet Blue were ranked 1st and 2nd, respectively. Each team suffered just one loss from their 5 matches during the day. This is the first time in the program's short history that we have had both teams rank at the top in any competition.
February 8th marks the teams' next opportunity to showcase their bots as they take on the best teams that the Upper South Conference has to offer. The top teams at this competition will qualify for the State Championships on March 15th.
Congratulations to all of the teams that participated and good luck in a couple weeks! |
Holmdel High School students and Theater Guild members Olivia Bachmann, Emerson Granata, and Julia Mooney have been accepted into the prestigious Open Jar Institute in New York City, granting them the opportunity to study at the institute this summer.
The students were selected based on their outstanding performance in a series of Open Jar–led workshops held during last weekend’s festival. Their selection reflects exceptional talent, dedication, and potential in the performing arts.
According to the Open Jar Institute, the organization is “New York City’s premier Broadway actor training program, providing select students with intensive one-on-one training with some of Broadway’s biggest stars, performers, directors, choreographers, agents, and casting directors.”
Congratulations to Julia, Emerson and Olivia on this remarkable achievement and opportunity. |
We are thrilled to congratulate Holmdel High School flutist Renee Whittemore on her acceptance into the All-State Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, earning first chair flute for the second year in a row!
Renee’s dedication, talent, and hard work have earned her this prestigious honor, allowing her to perform alongside the finest student musicians in the state. We are incredibly proud of her outstanding achievement and her continued commitment to excellence in music.
Bravo, Renee! |
Several Holmdel High School Jazz Band students recently auditioned and earned acceptance into the prestigious All-Shore Jazz Band during auditions hosted by the district. Selection into this ensemble recognizes students for their exceptional musicianship and dedication to the performing arts.
The following students were selected to participate: - Jesse Burden
- Keoni Bahet
- Hans Singhofen
- Sam Beseau
- Pranav Deshpande
- Brian Zhang
These talented musicians will perform in concert on February 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Manalapan High School. Congratulations to our students and their music educators on this outstanding achievement. |
The Pivot Theater Company recently presented Matilda the Musical at the Duncan Smith Theater in Holmdel, with eight performances enjoyed by audiences throughout the run.
We are proud to recognize several Holmdel students who participated in the production: - Avery Drejman, Grade 2 – Amanda Thripp
- Evie Haliyiannis, Grade 3 – Amanda Thripp
- Ellie Goode, Grade 2 – Ensemble
- Aria Missak, Grade 2 – Ensemble
- Autumn Missak, Grade 4 – Ensemble
Their involvement in this production reflects a strong commitment to the performing arts and highlights the opportunities available to students in our community. Congratulations to all involved, and thank you to the Pivot Theater Company for hosting these performances in Holmdel. |
Following a highly successful inaugural summer, Camp Invention returns to Holmdel for its second year, offering students an engaging, hands-on STEM experience designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and innovative thinking. Through interactive challenges and real-world problem solving, campers bring their ideas to life while building confidence and having fun along the way.
Registration is now open. Families can save $25 on Week One (July 13–16, 2026) with promo code FUN25 (expires March 31, 2026). An additional $60 savings is available for Week Two using the exclusive registration link provided in the Week One confirmation email.
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Holmdel250 Trivia Night, an evening of history, friendly competition, and fun. Test your knowledge, enjoy great food, and compete for prizes while celebrating Holmdel’s Revolutionary roots.
Thursday, February 12 | 6–9 PM Texas Roadhouse, Holmdel Free registration (Register by 2/2 for bonus points)
Eat. Play. Win. And see if you have what it takes to be a Revolutionary trivia champion. |
Kindergarten 2026–2027 registration opens on Friday, January 16th. Please visit the Holmdel School District website, www.holmdelschools.org, to access the Kindergarten Registration Portal. Families may upload all required registration documentation and, if desired, schedule an optional online appointment with the school. In-person registration appointments will take place Wednesday through Friday, February 24–26, at Village Elementary School. An in-person appointment is not required if documents are submitted through the portal.
On the home page, select the “Registration Information” box, then click the “2026–2027 PreK and Kindergarten New Student Registration Only” link to create a portal account and, if documents are not submitted through the portal, schedule an appointment. |
Help make Holmdel High School’s Project Graduation Class of 2026 an amazing all-night, drug- and alcohol-free celebration for our seniors—free of charge for every graduate! Your generosity ensures this cherished tradition continues and creates lasting memories for our kids.
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As technology plays a bigger role in students’ daily lives, both in and out of school, it’s more important than ever for families to help children develop healthy, balanced tech habits.
The Social Institute will be hosting a 30-minute virtual #WinAtSocial Family Presentation designed to equip parents and guardians with practical strategies to support students’ well-being, learning, and real-world connections while navigating social media, gaming, AI, and more.
All families are encouraged to attend this informative session. More details and registration information are included below.
Date: January 26th Time: 6:30 pm Length: 30 minutes Registration Link: http://winat.social/4ns9i5t Who: Families Questions? Visit TheSocialInstitute.com |
- January 27 - HHS/Satz Winter Dance Concert 6pm
- January 29 - HS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony 6pm
- February 13 - Early Dismissal for Students / PD day for Staff
- February 16 - School Closed - Presidents' Day
- February 17 - School Closed for Students / Lunar New Year - PD Day for Staff
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The Pearl Gala Celebrating 30 Years of Gifting Join the HFEE for an elegant evening benefiting the Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence. Saturday, April 25, 2026 Attire: Black Tie Optional Sponsorships and Tickets - Coming Soon
Here is the link to the Gala page with all the sponsorship information and ticket sales.
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Please take notice that whenever the Holmdel Township School District Board of Education is required by law or by order or rule of any court to publish or advertise a legal notice, it will publish or advertise the legal notice on the Holmdel Township School District Board of Education's official Internet website, in compliance with P.L. 2025, c. 72. This is a change from the past, whereby the district published notices in an official newspaper. Legal notices can be accessed on our district website's at https://www.holmdelschools.org/legal-notices |
The board will hold its monthly regular public meeting on Wednesday, January 28th, at 7:00 PM in the High School Auditorium. The meetings are also accessible via Zoom link and will be posted to the district webpage within 24 hours of the meeting.
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"Where there is unity there is always victory." —Publilius Syrus |
I thank you for your time and consideration and wish you a peaceful week ahead.
Dr. J. Scott Cascone |
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